When will the United States Semiquincentennial, or America250, culminate?

The United States Semiquincentennial, or America250, will culminate on July 4, 2026.

The date marks 250 years since the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. July 4 is celebrated annually as Independence Day in the United States, so the 250th anniversary falls on the same calendar date.

America250 is a nationwide commemoration rather than a single event. Organizers planned activities honoring events leading up to independence, as well as the anniversary itself. The official term “semiquincentennial” means a 250th anniversary, although names such as “sestercentennial” and “quarter millennium” also appear.

A common mix-up is July 2, 1776, when Congress approved the Lee Resolution declaring the colonies independent. July 4 is the date Congress adopted the Declaration, which became the traditional anniversary date. The previous major national milestone was the bicentennial on July 4, 1976.